1librarianspath's review
3.5
Yet again I find myself enjoying a book because the main character is so complicated, flawed, and young. Julia is a hard character to read, as she is angry, and sad, and desperate to escape the life she thinks her parents want her to lead. This book touches on a lot of complicated things, and some are almost completely glossed over, but if it was any other way then I suspect it would’ve felt gratuitous (and led some more book censorship within schools). I think the way it covered therapy - and taking care of your body physically too - was well done though, and I think it’s a book which many young people would appreciate having access to.
bross_shelly's review against another edition
5.0
Wow! loved this. A look into the lives of immigrants from Mexico and their childrenborn in the USA: the culture clash, the struggle to rise above, and depression and anxiety. As the author states in her acknowledgments, "to all the immigrants who have risked their lives to come to this country, and the children of those immigrants. YOU are what makes America great." A message for everyone.
jmendiola1214's review against another edition
5.0
I felt like I saw my friends, families, and even myself in Julia and other characters in the novel. I felt a need to keep reading and learning more about the story almost like when you read a thriller or mystery!
I went back and forth about all the explanations regarding specific cultural references throughout. I was craving for references to not be explained. I guess I wanted to feel like I had a special connection, but it never bothered me enough to take me outside of the story. I guess it just makes me wonder who it’s written for when it’s explained so much, but even that can be related to the Mexican American experience, and at some point I was grateful for the simple explanations and making note for the next time I might have to explain it as well.
I went back and forth about all the explanations regarding specific cultural references throughout. I was craving for references to not be explained. I guess I wanted to feel like I had a special connection, but it never bothered me enough to take me outside of the story. I guess it just makes me wonder who it’s written for when it’s explained so much, but even that can be related to the Mexican American experience, and at some point I was grateful for the simple explanations and making note for the next time I might have to explain it as well.
inthecommonhours's review against another edition
I grew up 15 minutes away from the author’s hometown, with immigrant parents who also had to drop out of high school to help their families. I also lost myself in books and hid notebooks full of poems and stories. The similarities of our stories made the contrasts more stark, namely the privilege my parents had as European immigrants who spoke English. I think everyone who reaches adulthood carries some trauma with them, but this story made me all the more grateful for the joy my parents had, their zest for life and for education. The last third, as Julia begins to understand her family members as individuals for the first time, was moving. Overall I was not a fan of Julia’s voice, which can make or break a first-person narrative. Still, I’m glad I read it.
kittyp3777's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
itsuh's review
5.0
Incredible. It felt like someone took parts of my life and put it into a book. As a Mexican immigrant raised In the states this book hit home. A new favorite.
sejames's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
claryperezv's review against another edition
2.0
There was a good opportunity in this book to tackle the stigma around multiple issues in our culture (including mental health, sexism, family issues, etc) and instead, in a very mexican way, it was all swept under the table. I kept reading hoping that they would work towards a better relationship as a family, but just like it happens in real life the daughter moves on, has her own life and will probably continue to lie about her life to make her parents happy (I would know about that).
Even though I understand where the mom (both parents really) is coming from with the way she acts with Julia, that doesn’t mean it’s correct for her to treat her like she did to the point where she almost commited suicide? Why was that never spoken of? They sent her to Mexico as if that was going to fix it, which of course it didn’t, it just acted as a distraction for a small period of time before she went back home, they didn’t even tell the family… depression and anxiety are nothing to be afraid of and maybe as mexicans we need to talk about it, we need to see that it’s nothing to be ashamed of and we should tell our family because there’s nothing wrong with it. Things don’t change because as a community we allow them to remain a secret.
Don’t even get me started with the typical American fear of Mexico and how the mom says she would’ve never sent her if she knew it was “dangerous” again… people live in Mexico you know? it is just as dangerous if not more to live in the US. It always makes me sad how Mexican Americans (specially children of immigrants) move to the US and are taught that Mexico is this forbidden dangerous place they should try to avoid visiting… IT’S NOT.
This book could’ve started a conversation and instead you end up feeling hopeless, it makes you feel that as a mexican daughter that is just how things are and adults will never understand you when they should try, the should make an effort too and they should be told they’re wrong too, they need to hear it.
Even though I understand where the mom (both parents really) is coming from with the way she acts with Julia, that doesn’t mean it’s correct for her to treat her like she did to the point where she almost commited suicide? Why was that never spoken of? They sent her to Mexico as if that was going to fix it, which of course it didn’t, it just acted as a distraction for a small period of time before she went back home, they didn’t even tell the family… depression and anxiety are nothing to be afraid of and maybe as mexicans we need to talk about it, we need to see that it’s nothing to be ashamed of and we should tell our family because there’s nothing wrong with it. Things don’t change because as a community we allow them to remain a secret.
Don’t even get me started with the typical American fear of Mexico and how the mom says she would’ve never sent her if she knew it was “dangerous” again… people live in Mexico you know? it is just as dangerous if not more to live in the US. It always makes me sad how Mexican Americans (specially children of immigrants) move to the US and are taught that Mexico is this forbidden dangerous place they should try to avoid visiting… IT’S NOT.
This book could’ve started a conversation and instead you end up feeling hopeless, it makes you feel that as a mexican daughter that is just how things are and adults will never understand you when they should try, the should make an effort too and they should be told they’re wrong too, they need to hear it.
lauralovestoread's review against another edition
4.0
*I started and stopped this book a few times. I think the current situation of our world and pandemic made a huge difference when I decided to start reading this book, and I feel I should preface that going in with my rating.
With that being said, initially I considered dnfing this book completely, but I’m glad that I stuck with it. The protagonist initially came off so whiny and annoying, but as I got past that, I really had a respect for the author in covering topics and themes of overcoming grief, first love, racial tension and family strife.
I read the book, and then switched to audio and the narrator, Kyla Garcia is amazing.
**TW suicide, mental illness
With that being said, initially I considered dnfing this book completely, but I’m glad that I stuck with it. The protagonist initially came off so whiny and annoying, but as I got past that, I really had a respect for the author in covering topics and themes of overcoming grief, first love, racial tension and family strife.
I read the book, and then switched to audio and the narrator, Kyla Garcia is amazing.
**TW suicide, mental illness
jorgelikestoread's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Homophobia
Minor: Religious bigotry